Fractured Shoulder Needs Surgery

[frankyj]

Hi everyone,

My father has fractured and dislodged his shoulder, so I took him for an x-ray at bumrungrad, they said he needs to have corrective surgery, however surgery will cost 220K - 250K and that is a cost neither of us can bear.

Does anyone know of alternative cheaper hospitals in BKK - I am aware that bumrungrad is very expensive; but even at a quarter of that price it is looking very expensive. I have also contacted the NHS back in the UK but he hasn't lived there for over 30 years so not too sure if he is entitled to anything - still waiting to hear back from them.

I have a the x-ray images on my hard drive so I have sent them out to 5 other random hospitals that I found on google - forget the names.

Any help or advise would be really appreciated.

Cheers

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Two that are often mentioned here as being good, and reasonable, are:

-- Saint Louis Hospital over on Sathorn Road:

http://www.saintlouis.or.th/main_page.php

-- Bangkok Christian Hospital, about on the corner of Silom Road and Patpong I:

http://www.bkkchristianhosp.th.com/main_about.asp?lang=E

-- Another not so often mentioned is the Mission Hospital:

http://www.mission-hospital.org/new_mission/index_en.php

Mac

[frankyj]

Thanks for that Mac, I have contacted those hospitals just now by email.

Thought I would also post a pic of the x-ray in case there are any experts out there who might know whether it does actually require surgery as I am sure these private hospitals push for the surgery when sometimes its not necessary (bit cynical... sorry)

[Murgatroyd]

I had a bad fall a couple of weeks ago and hurt my shoulder. It was extremely painful. I went to the Thainakarin hospital in Bang Na, on the Bang Na - Trat highway. The doctor sent me for an X-ray and when he had seen the results said that I had broken my collar bone. He suggested an operation which he reckoned would cost about 100,000 Baht. I asked if there was a cheaper alternative. He said I could wear a sling for about 8 - 10 weeks instead... the sling, and some medicine, cost about 1,500 Baht!

I've worn the sling for two weeks now and feel much better, the pain has gone and the movement in my arm is much improved. I'm to go back in about 3 weeks for another X-Ray at which time I confidently expect that it will be almost mended.

I think Doctors at Private hospitals in Thailand tend to suggest costly operations as a first choice of treatment, because when it really comes down to it they are in the business of selling their most expensive services. It pays to ask for cheaper alternatives. I'm not an expert, so I can't say what treatment your father needs, from the X-Ray it looks as though he's damaged his shoulder a lot worse than I did mine. I'm really sorry for his pain.

If you go to a Government Hospital the costs will only be a fraction of the cost of private medicine, but you will have a huge amount of paperwork to fill in, and loads of waiting around and queuing. It will also help if you can get someone who can translate for you to come along if you don't speak and understand Thai fluently.

[Sheryl]

The hospitals mentioned by ThanyaburiMac will be less than Bumrungrad. If what they quote you is still unaffordable, then your best recourse is either a military hospital or government hospital (actually military is also government, but they are sort of a special class of hospital. Although they provide free services only to military & their dependents, anyone can access them on a private pay and the quality of care us usually quite good).

regardless of where you go, investigate surgeon qualifications and don't let price be the sole factor. With some careful shopping around (and especially if you are able & willing to handle the inconviences of a military or government hospital) You can find both a good surgeon and a more affordable cost. Just make sure it's both as the last thing you need is a botched surgery!

[frankyj]

Went to the government police hospital today

Got another set of x-rays done, no need for surgery, got a cast and medication - total cost 2480 Baht. Have to go back again on Friday for some more x-rays and to ensure the swelling has gone down. Each time a foreigner visits they should pay 1000 Baht and then its minimal fees for service, x-rays and medication. General level of English was reasonable - didn't have to wait around in queues or waiting rooms too long either. Some paper work to fill out but nothing too hard and all had Thai and English wording.

All in all no big problem and everything worked out OK!

[Sheryl]

Thanks for the update and glad all worked out so well.

For future reference, was it the police Hospital on Rama I Rd not far from Central World and Paragon that you went to? As this is the first feedback on there that i've seen. Very useful.

[Dag]

What a difference...not just in price but procedure.

When you are fixed, you should go back to the Bumgrab doctor and tell them what you did.....and tell everyone in his waiting room also.

What does that work out at...around 1% of the quoted cost.......unbelievable.

.

Edited August 29, 2011 by Dag

[Murgatroyd]

I'm really pleased that things worked out so well for you and your father. I hope he'll make a full recovery soon.

[frankyj]

Hi Guys,

Yes it is the "general police hospital" it is in between Siam Paragon and Central world (you could walk to it from either of those on the skywalk) exact location:

Copy and paste these coordinates into google maps: 13.744012,100.539361